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Mede

Historical and Geographical Background:

Situated on the confines of Mysia and Ionia. According to Pliny it was known in earlier times as Pelopia and Euhippia. The city was known as “Pelopia” (Greek language: Πελοπία), but it was named Thyateira (Θυάτειρα) by king Seleucus I Nicator in 290 BC. He was at war with Lysimachus when he learned that his wife had given birth to a daughter. Its prosperity received a new impulse under the Roman Emperor Vespasian. The city contained a number of corporate guilds, as potters, tanners, weavers, robe-makers, and dyers. It was from Thyatira that Lydia the purple-seller of Philippi came, Paul’s first European convert, (Read the following;

Act_16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, one reverencing God, listened, whose heart the Lord opened thoroughly to pay attention to the things being spoken by Paul.

Act_16:40 And going out from the prison, they went into the house of Lydia. And seeing the brothers, they exhorted them, and went out.).

The numerous streams of the adjacent country were full of leeches. The principal deity of the city was Apollo, worshipped as the Sun-God under the surname Tyrimnas. A shrine outside the walls was dedicated to Sambatha, a sibyl. The place was never of paramount political importance.

Illustrated Map of the Patmos Island and the Seven Assemblies.

Map of the Asia Minor area with location of Thyatira

Religious Background:

Nicator named it “Thyatira” (Greek, “thygater”, for daughter) on being informed that a daughter had been born to him. Thyateira (also Thyatira) was the name of the modern Turkish city of Akhisar (“white castle”). The name comes from Koine Greek “Θυάτειρα” (Thuateira). The Turkish equivalent of Thyateira is Tepe Mezarlığı, meaning hill graveyard.

This city became well known for the center for trade guilds. Memberships were compulsory and also essentials for the privileged and purpose of trading. Corporate bodies, well organized must add, providing few benefits and taking actions in their interests. Each guild was under the patronage of a pagan deity, to whom were paid proceedings, feast and in other meaningful manner every year to that particular pagan deity. The believer must be a participant of the pagan activity which also had an essential appeal to the flesh. This was very difficult to the new believer in Christ because there is only One God and Savior, Jesus Christ the Only Lord and Way.

In 1922, the Patriarch of Constantinople appointed an Exarch for Western and Central Europe with the title Archbishop of Thyateira. The current Archbishop of Thyateira (since 1988) is Gregorios Theocharous. The Archbishop of Thyateira resides in London and has pastoral responsibility for the Greek Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom. The see of Thyatira is also included, without archiepiscopal rank, in the Catholic Church’s list of titular sees.

This particular assembly represent the medieval papacy (600 A.D. to 1500 A.D.). Among all the seven assemblies, this particular one was the least of them in a geographical area (size of the city was the smallest among the seven assemblies) but the longest of the letters dictated by the Lord to John.

The Assembly:

Let’s start with the Bible Study of this particular assembly.

Rev 2:18

(18) And to the angel of the assembly in Thyatira, write: These things says the Son of God, the One having His eyes as a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished brass:

In the previous verse please notice once again, as in the past messages send by the Lord to the other assemblies that he called his angel that have the specific task of the delivery of this message or letter. As always this is very important because the Lord is confining this important task to someone that He can trust and knows will not let Him down during the process of the delivery of the letter. There a few remarkable moments described by the Bible in where some of the messengers of the Lord had been intercepted by the devil and it has been trying in a delivery manner by the devil, to interfered and intercept such message, to either stop totally the delivery or delay until the very last minute such delivery. It is why the Lord name specifically angels for the delivery of messages. Here is an example of this event;

Dan 10:12-13

(12) And he said to me, Do not fear, Daniel. For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come because of your words.

(13) But the king of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty one days. But, lo, Michael, one of the first rulers, came to help me. And I stayed there with the kings of Persia.

In the same command voice the Lord said… “, write”… This particular command was designated to John, whose is used by the Lord as a scribed for the message.

The Lord God continues His dictation to John by saying the following;…” These things says the Son of God, the One having His eyes as a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished brass:”, and the first thing you must noticed is the pluralistic term God uses at the beginning of the message in relation to the different subjects He wants us to know. Right after the Lord is described as (the below charts are based on the LITV Bible (Literal Translation of the Bible) (you will find this translation on http://www.e-Sword.net this is a trusted and completely free of charge software)):

The Son of GOD

36 verses found, 37 matches

Matthew

5 verses found

5 matches

Mark

2 verses found

2 matches

Luke

4 verses found

4 matches

John

7 verses found

7 matches

Acts

2 verses found

2 matches

Romans

1 verse found

1 match

2 Corinthians

1 verse found

1 match

Galatians

1 verse found

1 match

Ephesians

1 verse found

1 match

Hebrews

4 verses found

4 matches

1 John

7 verses found

8 matches

Revelation

1 verse found

1 match

the One having His eyes as a flame of fire

1 verse found, 1 match

Revelation

1 verse found

1 match

His feet like burnished brass

2 verses found, 2 matches

Revelation

2 verses found

2 matches

These are all attributes that only you can find them under the New Testament.

(Rev 2:19) I know your works, and the love, and the ministry, and the faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last being more than the first.

In the above verse the Lord started by indicating the positive points of the assembly of Thyatira. Keep in mind that the Lord always see us for what we are and how we are.

The first He mentioned is that the Lord knows her “works”, but also noticed how in this particular translation the last word is also the one that is at the beginning of this assembly positives points. There is a big difference among the two, and that is that the first one is about their labor in the field of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And the second one is in regard to the “deeds” of the assembly, this is very noticeable when the Lord indicated that “…the last being more than the first…”. All of these attributes are connected to the “fruits of the Spirit”;

From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: – assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

(Rev 2:20 LITV) But I have a few things against you, that you allow the woman Jezebel to teach, she saying herself to be a prophetess, and to cause My slaves to go astray, and to commit fornication, and to eat idol sacrifices.

Now here is the only point that this particular assembly neglected:

Enabling outside sources to infiltrate into the cell of the Body of Christ (please notice that I am indicating this as a “cell of the Body of Christ” and not the “Body of Christ”) and not stopping such actions. As a result of enabling this outside intervention of this woman, a chaos was created and the gears of the Gospel were not turning properly if so. Some of the consequences of this inadvertent event are:

Unavailability of the Holy Spirit for the understanding the Word of God (Holy Bible)

Spiritual fornication which is one of the most difficult sins to be recognized by the human mind when is out of the influence of the Holy spirit

Co-participating with the idol sacrifices

Many more

Let’s have a review of who was “Jezebel”:

There is a total of 20 verses with 23 matches of her name in the Holy Bible, indicating to us how important is to understand the When, Why and How of Jezebel.

1st King16:31 talks about how this particular woman became part of the history of Israel (Northern Kingdom). Ahab (Omri’s son (Omri was the king that the people of the Northern Kingdom considered to be the founder of such, even though there were kings before him)) after becoming the king of Israel married a “Sidonian Princess” with the name of “Jezebel” and by doing so, Ahab offers his loyalty and worshiping to their deity “Baal”.

The queen Jezebel wanting to keep her religious believe among the people of Israel, demanded to replace all in the high places of the kingdom the altars from the ones dedicated to “YHWH” and in place of them to put the ones belong to Ba’al and was dedicated to eradicating the worshiping to “YHWH” in the land of Israel by also killing the prophets of GOD, read 1st King 18:4, 1st King 18:13. It is amazing to me, the kind of demonic spirit this woman was posses with that Elijah (the prophet of GOD) was not afraid of confronting the false prophets from Ba’al, nor the army but with a single treat from this woman Elijah escaped trembling and hiding in a cave, read 1st King 19:2.

During this time, there was a farmer with a small but beautiful vineyard, his name was Naboth and who was a man of God. The Ahab desired Naboth vineyard but unable to acquire it, his wife Jezebel promised to him (Ahab) to get the vineyard as a present for him. Utilizing many non-legal and non-truthful ways had the people of Israel stoning Naboth and as a result of the death of him the property passed to Ahab’s hands, read 1st King 21:5 – 1st King 21:15.

It was not until GOD Himself demanded from His prophet Elijah to hit the road and to understand that He had many more of His prophets to do the task if it was necessary, to talk to the king Ahab. In conclusion, Jezebel was push out of the window of her palace and ate by the dogs, read 1st King 21:23, 2nd King 9:10 – 2nd King 9:37.

Background on the City of Zidon (Sidon) and their deity Ba’al:

The city flourished as part of a loose confederacy of city-states spread along the coast of the land of Canaan. Although they shared “a common linguistic, cultural, and religious inheritance, the region was very rarely politically united, with each city operating as a sovereign state ruled over by a king or local dynast” (Miles, 26). This brought Sidon into competition with the other states of Phoenicia for trade and, especially, with the city of Tyre. In the 10th century BCE, the balance of power shifted to Tyre primarily due to the leadership of that city’s kings, Abibaal and, after him, his son Hiram. Tyre forged trade agreements with the newly minted kingdom of Israel-Judah and her king David. This agreement made Tyre wealthy and Sidon, trying to compete, entered into their own pacts with the kingdom of Israel including the marriage of the Sidonian princess Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, to King Ahab of Israel (a story famous from the Bible). Jezebel’s insistence on maintaining her own religion and personal identity was an affront to a number of Ahab’s subjects and, most notably, the prophet Elijah who denounced her. Jezebel and Ahab’s rule was ended by a coup by the general Jehu and, with it, Sidonian trade agreements with Israel.

The Purple dye is what gave the Phoenicians their name from the Greeks, Phoinkes, and meaning `the purple people’ and although it would come to be commonly associated with the city of Tyre, its manufacture was originally at Sidon.

Ba’al was a Phoenician deity that among other powers attributed to him were being judge of the gods, the lord of the wind and weather, controller of the rain, storm, thunder and lighting. It was also attributed to him the renewal of the vegetation every year.

There are a few things in common with this particular assembly and Jezebel:

They were knowledgeable of the purple dye process /trade

They were not unaware nor ignorant of the Word of GOD

They were given the gift of repentance for them to take the step forward and recognize their sinning life

Jezebel was brought to be part of the People of GOD / Thyatira were a cell of the Body of Christ

The Chaldean priest who interpreted the esoteric doctrines of the Babylonians mysteries was called “Peter”, The Catholic church foundation of their principles is that their founder was the apostle “Peter” (by no means I am implying that the apostle Peter is not an apostle of the Lord Jesus, but in the other hand is one of the most important apostle for the Body of Christ).

The insignia wore by the Babylonian priest above mentioned had two keys; one for the deity Janus and the other for Cybele. The Catholic Church have both symbols on the arms of the Papal garment symbolizing spiritual authority.

The danger to Thyatira assembly came not by the persecution from the gentile world nor by the animosity of the Jewish attitudes, but instead came from within and so the same for the people of the kingdom of Israel when they brought such Jezebel to their lives.

Jezebel acquired by “inquisition” Naboth’s vineyard and during the medieval the Catholic Church did so including the “Dark Ages” period.

(Rev 2:21 LITV) And I gave time to her that she might repent of her fornication. And she did not repent.

(Rev 2:22 LITV) Behold, I am throwing her into a bed, and into great affliction those committing adultery with her, unless they repent of their works.

The same way God offered to Jezebel the opportunity to repent, so He is doing with the members of the cell of the Body of Christ from the Assembly of Thyatira.

Joh 3:14-18 LITV

(14) And even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

(15) that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(17) For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

(18) The one believing into Him is not condemned; but the one not believing has already been condemned, for he has not believed into the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Notice how the Lord indicate, He will throw Jezebel “into a bed”, this particular expression is an expression of pain and immobilization, as if she will be a “disable/handicap” woman. If you remember the Jezebel in the narrative from the Book of Kings was thrown from the castle window and the dogs ate her to the point of no recognition, but of course that was her physical body. There is a second death and that is where the subject has no choice in the matter and no more opportunities are offer.

The Lord continue saying how He will put into “Great Affliction” those committing adultery with her.

Please notice how the Lord is using the verb “committing”, as an indicative of a continual and present action of the verb, indicative that those are the ones not repenting for their actions as Jezebel did.

The other important point to observe here is the point of the terms “”Great Affliction” = “Great Tribulation”:

This particular term is not used but only for the moment in where the biggest event in human history will take place other than the “Coming of the Lord” of course. This cannot be confuse with a tribulation, nor with a difficulties, nor for that matter with problems, under no circumstances should be so, but understand this is what is called in the Bible “The Great Tribulation”. Unless of course they will repent of their actions, then and only then they will not go thru such event.

Rev 2:23 LITV

(23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the assemblies will know that I am the One searching the inner parts and hearts. And I will give to each of you according to your works.

The Lord make very clear that the punishment for her children will be death, such sin cannot have any root left, must be taken completely out of the heart of the Body of Christ. Look the way the Lord indicate how “all the assemblies”, as a plural noun, expressing that this will apply not just to the Thyatira assembly, which is this letter send to but to the rest of the assemblies.

Many times over, this part of the verse is interpreted as if we are save by works, which based on the Bible we are save by Grace, but the Lord and the Word of God doesn’t contradict itself at all. This is because the Lord is talking here as if the Grace is no longer in action on earth, but under the “Great Tribulation” process in where your actions will take you out to the throne of God after being decapitated and in Heaven, wash out by the “Blood of the Lamb”:

Rev 7:14 LITV

(14) And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are those coming out of the great tribulation; and they washed their robes and whitened them in the blood of the Lamb.

This is because there is no one that will go to the Father but Thru Him (Jesus Christ our Lord):

Joh 14:6 LITV

(6) Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Rev 2:24-25 LITV

(24) But I say to you and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this teaching, and who did not know the deep things of Satan, as they say: I am not casting another burden on you;

(25) but what you have, hold until I shall come.

Observe how the Lord is making clear that this is for everyone that is reading this letter and not only to the assembly of Thyatira, the Lord says “…But I say to you and to the rest of Thyatira…”. Indication that it is directed to the reader of this letter whether he is from the assembly of Thyatira or not and including Thyatira members.

Also and in a clear form the Lord indicates that those that are not mixed or infected with the teachings or doctrine of Jezebel and those that did not know the deep things of Satan are going to pass thru such burden. In contrast with the deep things of God, of which we are call to pursue them and ask for them in prayer to receive them through the Holy Spirit on knowledge, wisdom and understand of the Word of God. Read below:

1Co 2:10-15 LITV

(10) But God revealed them to us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

(11) For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of a man within him? So also no one has known the things of God except the Spirit of God.

(12) But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, so that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God.

(13) Which things we also speak, not in words taught in human wisdom, but in Words taught of the Holy Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.

(14) But a natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

(15) But the spiritual one discerns all things, but he is discerned by no one.

Rev 2:26-27 LITV

(26) And the one overcoming, and the one keeping My works until the end, “I will give to him authority over the nations,”

(27) and “He will shepherd them with an iron staff” (they are “broken to pieces like clay vessels”), as I also have received from My Father. Psa. 2:8, 9

On verses 26 and 27, is the promise to the overcoming, but in this particular case, the overcomer must also keep the works of God until the end, but if you remember at the beginning of the letter there are two ways in where this term is expressed:

Toil

This is in where the member of the Body of Christ must work in every level to start the fields of the Gospel of the Lord. In where, as in human terms we say, blood, sweat and tears are brought to the field hoping the labor will be enough and that the seed of the Gospel is in a good grounds for it to grow and sustained the storms.

Deeds

Our main job as a members of the Body of Christ is to live a life in Christ like behavior by feeding the hungry, protecting the homeless and the widow, promoting the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, Discipleship others and in prayer and supplication to ask the Lord for the Body of Christ and Israel protection waiting patiently for the Coming of the Lord.

The Lord says He will give to those that do as He ask, authority over the nations to the point of shepherd them with an iron staff. That is an incredible authority, like no one ever will have, supervised by the Lord Jesus our Savior. Look in the parenthesis of the verse on how the Lord says that these nations are broken to pieces like clay vessels and that reminds me the vision that the prophet Daniel had of the statue in different metals, where the feet were a mix of Clay and Iron (please referred to my earlier Bible Study in this web in regard to the Book of Daniel).

Also if you read Psalm 2, which is in where it is a reference of the above verse, please notice that there are three speakers in that Psalm (Please read Psalm 2).

Rev 2:28-29 LITV

(28) And I will give to him the Morning Star.

(29) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

But that is not all that the Lord is given away, there is more, much more.

He is giving “the Morning Star”, I tell you that we already have the Morning Star which is Jesus Christ our Lord. Of course the Lord closes the Letter with the advice to everyone that either are listening or reading these letters (not just the Thyatira letter) not just to read them, but to hear them and put them into practice.

Historical Background:

Pergamon /ˈpɜrɡəmən/ or /ˈpɜrɡəmɒn/ or Pergamum /ˈpɜrɡəməm/ (Ancient Greek: τὸ Πέργαμον, to Pergamon, or ἡ Πέργαμος, hē Pergamos) was an ancient Greek city in Aeolis, currently located 26 kilometres (16 mi) from the Aegean Sea on a promontory on the north side of the river Caicus (modern-day Bakırçay). Today, the main sites of ancient Pergamon are to the north and west of the modern city of Bergama in Turkey.

Some ancient authors regarded it as a colony of the Arcadians, but the various origin stories all belong to legend. The Greek historians reconstructed a complete history for it due to confusion with the distant Teuthrania. It became the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon during the Hellenistic period, under the Attalid dynasty, 281–133 BC. Pergamon is cited in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia.

(Map of the city of Pergamum and also the Kingdom of Pergamum after the treaty of Apamea in 188 B.C.)

(Model of the Acropolis of Pergamos / Museum of Berlin)

During 399 B.C. the city of Pergamos was recapture by the Syrian and it was of no importance on the antiquity until 301 B.C. when it became the capital of the new kingdom of Pergamon, founded in 281 B.C by Philetaerus and giving a beginning to the Attalid dynasty.

The Attalids became some of the most loyal supporters of Rome in the Hellenistic world. Under Attalus I (241–197 BC), they allied with Rome against Philip V of Macedon, during the first and second Macedonian Wars, and again under Eumenes II (197–158 BC), against Perseus of Macedon, during the Third Macedonian War. For their support against the Seleucids, the Attalids were rewarded with all the former Seleucid domains in Asia Minor.

The Attalids ruled with intelligence and generosity. Many documents survive showing how the Attalids supported the growth of towns by sending in skilled artisans and by remitting taxes. They allowed the Greek cities in their domains to maintain nominal independence. They sent gifts to Greek cultural sites like Delphi, Delos, and Athens. They defeated the invading Celts. They remodeled the Acropolis of Pergamon after the Acropolis in Athens. When Attalus III (138–133 BC) died without an heir in 133 BC, he bequeathed the whole of Pergamon to Rome in order to prevent a civil war.

Pergamon was briefly the capital of the Roman province of Asia, before the capital was transferred to Ephesus.

After a slow decline, the city was favored by several imperial initiatives under Hadrian (117 – 138). It was granted the title of metropolis and as a result of this an ambitious building program was carried out: massive temples, a stadium, a theatre, a huge forum and an amphitheater were constructed. In addition, at the city limits the shrine to Asclepius (the god of healing) was expanded into a lavish spa. This sanctuary grew in fame and was considered one of the most famous therapeutic and healing centers of the Roman world. Galen, after Hippocrates the most famous physician of antiquity, was born at Pergamon and received his early training at the Asclepeion.

Pergamon reached the height of its greatness under Roman Imperial rule and was home to about 200,000 inhabitants. The Library of Pergamon was renowned, and second only to the Library of Alexandria, although not approaching Alexandria in scholarship. The city was an early seat of Christianity and was granted a bishopric by the second century. During the Third Century was badly damaged by an earthquake and ransacked by the “Goths” after.

FYI Important Background on Pergamos

It is also known as “the city of the serpent”, and for its greatness in the religious influence of that time in history.

Asclepius

(Asclepius with his serpent-entwined staff / Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus).

This particular assembly is well known for the influence in medicine and what is known today as Phycology.

The link below will give you access to a brief but incredible video by 700 Club, just click in the link:

The first temple of this cult was erected in Pergamos in 27 B.C. Aesculapius was identical to Phaethon (Nimrod = founder of the original Babylonian religion, eventually developing the worship of his widow Semiramis and his posthumous son (the Ashtoreth and Tammuz of Phoenicia, Isis and Horus of Egypt, Aphrodite and Eros of Greece, Venus and Cupid of Rome))

When Cyrus conquered Babylon, they found a new center at Pergamos and that king became “Pontifex Maximus”, highest priest of the pagan system. When Rome took power over Pergamos the cult was assimilated and very well transferred to Rome by Pergamos. One of the most clear influence on such cult in Rome is the fact that the Caesar was appointed “highest priest” and ultimately in 378 A.D. of Damasus, the Bishop of Rome with the complete and permanent absorption of “Babylonianism” into the Roman Church (this could possibly be seeing reflected with Thyatira).

During the year 312 A.D. Constantine set out to defeat the forces of Maxentius, empire rival. His father prospered when he prayed to the God of the Christians, Constantine resorted to the same actions. It is said the next morning he saw a shining cross in the sky with an inscription above it that read: “in hoc signo vinces” (In this sign thou shall conquer”, marked all the shields of his army with the mark, and after a bloody battle defeated Maxentius and immediately after declared his conversion to Christianity. Constantine assumed headship of the church, repealed the persecution with the “edicts of Diocletian” advancing Christianity to high office in the state. Pagan temples were converted to Christians churches; heathen festivals and customs were converted in to Christians ones; pagan priest slipped into office as Christians priests and so on.

Exposition of Revelation 2: 12-17

(Rev 2:12) And to the angel of the assembly in Pergamos, write: These things says the One having the sharp, two-edged sword:

Once again in Revelation 2: 12 the Lord is dictating to the apostle the letter that the angel (messenger) is going to take to Pergamos. There is only one angel that will be given the task and responsibility of this letter, not only because it is trusted by the Lord Almighty to accomplish such action, but more so because the angel’s personal relationship with the assembly.

Meaning of the name “Pergamos”; it is a compound word:

“Per” = pervert, perturbation, mixed, objectionable

“gamos” = marriage

When the Lord described Himself as the “…the One having the sharp, two-edged sword…”, He is without a doubt that He is the Highest Authority in Command, Highest Priest and no one else is (Read Book of John 1: 1-4).

(Rev 2:13) I know your works, and where you dwell, where the throne of Satan is. And you hold My name, and did not deny My Faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful witness; who was killed alongside you, where Satan dwells.

In this verse the Lord started to describe the attributes of this assembly:

Know your works (this particular assembly is not lazy)

Knows the place where the assembly dwell, where the throne of Satan is (the Lord is indicating here that even though the assembly is dwelling under the same location as where the throne of Satan is, they (the assembly) is not part of Satan.

We, as the assembly of the Lord, are called to be among the ones that lives in this world but not been part of the world.

Joh_14:17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. But you know Him, for He abides with you and shall be in you.

There is always a truth about this assembly related to the action of dwelling in the place where Satan’s throne is, and that is the fact that a throne is a chair located in the center of a room to make comfortable the person more respected and which is not use by any other member of the room but the person destine for. Understanding this, we can come to the conclusion that this assembly, even though did the works and dwelled where it was commanded to, more so hold the Name of the Lord (the assembly was of the family belong to the Lord, so they claim: (Eph 3:14) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,(Eph 3:15) of whom every family in Heaven and on earth is named,). It is evident that even when they hold and called themselves members of the family of the Lord, this assembly did not gave the Lord the recognition He deserved and in His place the throne was occupied by Satan.

It is also very interesting that is mentioned that this particular assembly never denied “His Faith” (it is spelled in capital letters, indicative of the Lord’s Faith and not the assembly’s faith, in accordance with the Strong words this particular term of faith is:

G4102

πίστις

pistis

pis’-tis

From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: – assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

Total KJV occurrences: 244

In other words, they knew the Word, did the works, dwelled among the place we had been called to dwelled, hold the name of the Lord (members of the Family), and also never denied the Lord’s Faith or His Gospel. They, Pergamos, were so confused on their own well-being and totally out of their track in the real Gospel that they couldn’t distinguished between what was right and what was not.

This assembly allowed the satanic forces to influence them so strongly, to a point in were a faithful witness of the Gospel of the Lord was sacrifice to the idols and they didn’t raise their voices against such actions. How a believer raise his/her voice? You may ask. The answer is, by Prayers, Supplications, Fasting, and Studying the Word of Truth.

When any or all of those elements are placed in a subordination level to allow the public non believer to dictate and mandate our course of action, we as believers becomes co-participators of such actions. The verse end by the Lord emphasizing such actions were taking place in “Satan’s dwelling place”. This is very important because it tells us how they (Pergamos) allowed themselves to be influenced by the outside forces even when they had all the elements in their favor.

(Rev 2:14) But I have a few things against you, that you have there those holding the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat idol sacrifices, and to commit fornication.

(Rev 2:15) So you also have those holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

On verses 14 through 15 the Lord is indicating to the assembly their negative points, let’s put them in a sequence manner:

This assembly allowed …those holding the teachings of Balaam…

To throw a stumbling block against the sons of Israel

Read Numbers 22: 1-41

To eat idol sacrifices

Read Numbers 22: 40

To commit fornication

Read Numbers 22: 41

Pergamos also allowed …those holding the teaching of the Nicolatians…

What is the teachings of the Nicolatians that God Himself hate so much?

Nicolaitans

Nicola’itans (followers of Nicolas). A sect mentioned in Rev_2:6; Rev_2:15, whose deeds were strongly condemned. They may have been identical, with those who held the doctrine of Balaam. They seem to have held that, it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication, in opposition to the decree of the Church rendered in Act_15:20; Act_15:29. The teachers of the Church branded them with a name, which expressed their true character. The men who did and taught such things were followers of Balaam. 2Pe_2:15; Jud_1:11. They, like the false prophet of Pethor, united brave words with evil deeds.

In a time of persecution, when the eating or not eating of things sacrificed to idols was, more than ever, a crucial test of faithfulness, they persuaded men, more than ever, that was a thing indifferent. Rev_2:13-14. This was bad enough, but there was a yet worse evil. Mingling themselves in the orgies of idolatrous feasts, they brought the impurities of those feasts into the meetings of the Christian Church.

And all this was done, it must be remembered, not simply as an indulgence of appetite, but as a part of a system, supported by a “doctrine,” accompanied by the boast of a prophetic illumination, 2Pe_2:1. It confirms the view, which has been taken of their character to find that stress is laid, in the first instance on the “deeds” of the Nicolaitans. To hate those deeds is a sign of life in a Church, that otherwise is weak and faithless. Rev_2:6 To tolerate them is well-nigh to forfeit the glory of having been faithful under persecution. Rev_2:14-15.

(Rev 2:16) Repent! But if not, I will come to you quickly, and I will make war with them by the sword of My mouth.

Here int verse 16 the Lord advised to the assembly of their only possible option to take, that is to “Repent”, otherwise (if the assembly does not repent) The Lord will come quickly. The phrase “…come to you quickly…” means the following:

(2Pe 3:9) The Lord of the promise is not slow, as some deem slowness, but is long-suffering toward us, not having purposed any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

(2Pe 3:10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with rushing sound, and having burned the elements will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be burned up.

(Rev 2:17) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one overcoming, I will give him to eat from the hidden manna. And I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name having been written, which no one knows except the one receiving it.

In verse 17 there is a once again a personal implication and application of the assembly for everyone that is part of the assembly of the Lord. We are commanded to make our voices heard and our Prayers brought to the Throne of the Lord on behave of the Gospel of Truth. We must work diligently to prepare ourselves to the battle, wearing the all armor of God as is described by the apostle Paul (read below):

Eph_6:11 Put on all the armor of God, for you to be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil,

Eph_6:13 Because of this, take up all of the armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having worked out all things, to stand.

It does follows the verse by indicating the promise to overcomer, which is in this assembly the following:

Will eat of the hidden manna

Will receive a white stone

Encrypted with a new name

Known only by the one receiving the stone

Thank you for reading and I hop/e in the Lord this will be of great help to your spiritual life. God Bless You All.

Background and History: Smyrna

Smyrna is known today as “Izmir”, located in Turkey and as a major city with a population of approximately 300,000 habitants. It has an excellent harbor, import/export few items such as tobacco, grapes, cotton, figs, olive oil and other.

The original city was destroyed about B.C. 627, and was deserted and in ruins for four hundred years. Alexander the Great contemplated its restoration, and his design was carried out after his death. The new city was built a short distance south of the ancient one, and became the finest in Asia Minor, being known as thegloryofAsia. It was one of the cities which claimed the honor of being Homer’s birthplace. A splendid temple was erected by the Smyrnaeans to his memory, and a cave in the neighborhood of the city was shown where he was said to have composed his poems. Smyrna’s fine harbor made it a commercial center; but it was also distinguished for its schools of rhetoric and philosophy. Polycarp was the first bishop of its church, which suffered much from persecution, and he was said to have suffered martyrdom in the stadium of the city, A.D. 166. It is argued with some plausibility that Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna at the time of the composition of Revelation, and was the person addressed here. This question, however, is bound up with that of the date of composition (see Trench, “Epistles to the Seven Churches”). The city was a seat of the worship of Cybele the Mother of the gods, and of Dionysus or Bacchus.

Alyattes, the king of “Lydia”, successfully conquered it, putting an end to a history of two and one-half millennia. Alexander the Great, during the fourth century, put in charge one of his four generals to build in its place the most beautiful, well build and planned city in Ionia. The result was known as the “Flower of Ionia”. 27 B.C. Smyrna went under the Romans control and which became a great allied to the Romans during the Syrian/Mithridatic wars. From 27 B.C. to 324 A.D it was a powerful city with great material prosperity. From the years 178 A.D. throughout 180 A.D. suffered many seismic disturbances but always rebound from it.

Today, Smyrna (Izmir), is known as “The Paris of the Levant”. The richly embellishment of the temples and splendid buildings, in a perfect symmetry of those encircling “Mount Pagos” resulted in the title “the crown of Smyrna”.

Please Click on this link to be able to see a Map of what is today “Izmir” also known as Smyrna during Bible Times.

Religion

There is a legend that surround the origins of this great empire, and which it also has to do with their polytheistic believes. Never the less, the beginning of the Roman religious believes were “animistic” in character. Their believe were, everything that was around them and that inhabited the Earth had its own spirit or numen. They truly believe, they were watched over by their ancestors’ spirits called “genius” (for male) and “juno” (for female).

Early in their history due to the Sabine influence, the romans had as prominent gods the following:

Mars

The god of war

Vital role in the beginning of the Roman history.

In accordance with the legend of the foundation of Rome, he was the father of Romulus and Remus.

Quirinus

The god who watched over the people and government of Rome was the deified Romulus.

Jupiter

The leader of the gods

All the three gods were worshiped at the temple on the Capitoline Hill, which they were known as the Capitoline Triad. This Sabine influence did not replace the former believe but instead, they were added to their worship.

Later on the Monarchy period, the Etruscan influence was such, that the Capitoline triad underwent a transformation:

Jupiter still at the pinnacle of their religion.

Mars was replaced with Juno

Juno became the wife of Jupiter

Quirinus was replaced with Minerva

Minerva was the daughter of Jupiter and Juno

goddess of wisdom

Once the Greeks were settled on the South of the Italian peninsula, also influence their religious believes. These last influenced the Romans by giving to the Romans the power to create their mythology, and as a result, an eloquent and pictographic gamma of characters of Roman gods were borrowed from the Greek gods.

Examples of such are:

Roman godsGreek gods

Jupiter Zeus

Mars Ares

Minerva Athena

Apollo Apollo

This particular process on any culture in were the influence is operating this way is called “syncretism”, a distinctive nature displayed by the Romans gods vs the counterparts was the fact that they displayed a frugal nature. The believer’s faith was guided by a college of “pontiffs” (an assembly of the highest ranking priest in the Ancient Roman/does this sound familiar?). The highest among them was “pontifex maximus”, position hold by patricians until the third century B.C. a plebian Roman could hold such position. Also even though this position was a highly wholly spiritual function, there was later on politicized. A great example of this was Julius Caesar, whose was the pontifex maximus during the first Triumvirate.

Each god had their own temple, priest or flamines. While the college was task with the affairs of the gods, the flamines represented their particular deity. The most important priest represented the Capitoline Triad, there was an exception to the rule and that was the priestesses to Vesta, goddess of the hearth, all were men. The Vestal Virgins (as they were known) priestesses were ordered to remain celibate for the entire thirty years of service and their task was to keep the sacred fire of Vesta burning in the temple. Many privileges were given to them, among some, privilege to own properties, to vote, no longer under the control of their parents, highly regarded and a reason why many patrician families wished their daughters to be given the position. The title of Vestal Virgins were appointed by the pontifex maximus by a drawing lots. Some of the downsides of the Vestal Virgins were for example that if the priestess fail to remain celibate for any period of the thirty years of service the punishment was to be buried alive.

During the beginning of the Empire, the emperor were deified after death, but it was not until Julius Caesar that the emperor was deified during their terms and after him many others will follow, there were couple exceptions; Caligula and Nero.

Worship of the imperial cult became a commonplace and even many of the emperors believed to be themselves “gods”. Commodus, for example, believed to be Hercules himself, Diocletian found affinity with Jupiter. Never the less, the one who made himself to be placed in a statue in the Jewish temples around the Roman Empire was Caligula.

Christianity started as a marginal and persecuted sect, but ended up the official state religion. As the Christians grew in number and with the ability to influence the Emperor Constantine, convinced by the Christian teachings, Constantine marched into a battle with the banner of Christ, and with heavy odds against him and his army, won the battle and attributed to Christ the victory calling it a divine intervention.

Immediately after his victory, Constantine passed the “Edict of Milan”, professing tolerance toward Christians and their believes. He ended baptized and the majority of his successors were Christians. Julian was an exception to that rule, trying to reinstate the traditional Roman gods, but with no much result. It was not but until 380 A.D. that Christianity became the State Religion.

During the month of December (December Saturnalia), on what is known as the “Via Sacra” (Sacred Way), passage that runs from the Coliseum, the Capitoline Hill (Capitoline Triad Temple Location) and Temple of Jupiter, marches and religious festivals took place.

Up to now is a brief view of the religious practices of the Roman Empire during the first, second and portion of the third centuries.

Let’s start with the Biblical passage for our delight, which is located in the 2nd Chapter of the Book of Revelation verses 8-11. Keep in mind I am using the Literate Translation which you will be able to find by downloading e-Sword program ( www.e-Sword.org ) which is a great tool for Bible Studies and is totally free of charge.

(Rev 2:8) And to the angel of the assembly of Smyrna, write: These things says the First and the Last, Who became dead, and lived:

Once again we can see how the Lord Jesus Christ appointed the angel to take the message to the assembly of Smyrna. This is indicative that there is always a particular messenger for the plan of God in our lives. This particular messenger knows the target in question and understand the all details regarding the assembly of Smyrna.

“These things says the First and the Last”… Please pay attention to the way the Lord uses the first word in the sentences, which is in a plural manner. It is indicating to us, the multiple things the Lord sees in our lives that many times we have no idea of them. Immediately after it is brought up one of the names that our Lord is known by: and these can be read in four more locations in the Bible:

Isa 41:4

Rev 1:11

Rev 1:17

Rev 2:8

Rev 22:13

It is not until the Book of revelation that this particular Name of God is used in Capital Letters (this could be observed if you use the LIT Translation vs the KJV).

Another portion that is curious to observe in the verse the use of …”Who became dead, and lived:”… By using this particular name, God Himself becomes a witness of His selfish act in the Cross for all mankind.

As you continue reading this passage, you can’t stop noticing the theme of “death” in the letter.

As you know the word “Smyrna” means “Myrrh” which is a spice used to either preserve the bodies after death and as an aromatic spice, which is what normally we know about it. Never the less, there is a passage in Genesis 37:25 that mention specifically this spice and is in relation to the narrative of Joseph son of Jacob.

Also in Exodus 30:23 it is mentioned to be included as part of the group of species and other ointments to be use for the anointing of the tabernacle, the ark of the testimony, the table and vessels, the altar of incense and the altar of burnt offering with vessels, the laver and his foot, also Aaron and his sons. Such anointed group of spices and oils was going to be presented to the children of Israel as a holy anointing oil throughout the generations.

In Esther 2:12 you can see the use of Myrrh in the anointing of the royal queen before to be presented to the king.

Myrrh is also found in the Bible as one of the three gifts the wise men presented to the Christ Child, according to the gospel of Matthew. According to the gospel of Mark, Jesus was offered wine and myrrh before the crucifixion.

In Isaiah 60:6 expressed the Word of God that will be given presents to the Lord Jesus during the millennium but among the gifts presented to Him one will be out of the equation, and that is “myrrh”. Myrrh was representative of the pain and suffering of our Lord as a human on this earth, but that will be all behind Him once He entered the millennium and after.

(Rev 2:9) I know your works, and the affliction, and the poverty; but you are rich. And I know the evil speaking of those saying themselves to be Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

The Lord in verse 9 started to give the commendations of the assembly of Smyrna. The Lord started by saying to the assembly:

As I have read this particular section of the verse, my head started spinning in questions about why is this said here by the Lord? There is also an important point that we must remember, the Lord was very straight and clear to the adversary and his followers, and He never deviated.

If we read John chapter 8, we will noticed the level of tension that existed among Jesus and the so called “religious leaders of the Jews”, in particular in verse 18 and 19.

In John 8:19 the religious leaders asked the Lord … (Joh 8:19) Then they said to Him, Where is your father? Jesus answered, You neither know Me, nor My Father. If you had known Me, then you also would have known My Father.

In the above phrase in Bold/Italic/Underline format they were trying to tell Jesus that He (Jesus) was a “Bastard” (this is what is known today as a sarcasm). The below verses demonstrate how intense was the tension, and when you read these verse read it as if you were a Jew…

(Joh 8:39) They answered and said to Him, Abraham is our father (here is the second time in this chapter they said to Jesus in an indirect way that He was a “Fatherless Child” (Bastard)). Jesus said to them, If you were children of Abraham, you would do the works of Abraham.

(Joh 8:40) But now you seek to kill Me, a man who has spoken the truth to you, which I heard alongside of Abraham did not do this.

(Joh 8:41) You do the works of your father. They said to Him, We were not born of fornication; we have one father, God (This is the third time in this chapter they indicated to the Lord that “He” (Our Lord Jesus) was a “Bastard”).

(Joh 8:42) Then Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I went forth and have come from God. For I have not come from Myself, but that One sent Me.

(Joh 8:43) Why do you not know My speech? It is because you are not able to hear My Word.

(Joh 8:44) You are of the Devil as father, and the lusts of your father you desire to do. That one was a murderer from the beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own, because he is a liar, and the father of it.

(Rev 2:10) Do not at all fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw you into prison, so that you may be tried; and you will have affliction ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

We as Christians know that it is very difficult to be a “Follower of the Way” (as we used to be known before the term Christians came about). We must pray for those that persecute us, forgive those that torment us and bless those that curse us, right? Of course we must. But there is also a reminder from the Lord that no matter what we will go thru in life, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

1Ki_8:57 Jehovah our God is with us as He has been with our fathers; He shall not forsake us or leave us,

Also in this particular verse there is an important part that many believers omit as they read this passage, that is the reality of a an accuser that is always ready to point his fingers at us just to make our lives a “living hell”, he is called the devil. This part on this particular verse can’t and most not be confused with the part of the “Great Tribulation”, this part of the verse is what we will see on a daily basis just for been part of the “Special Elite Unit” called “Christians” or “Follower of the Way”. One way or another, there is no doubt that the Lord never leaves us nor forsake us, read below:

Heb_13:5Set your way of life without money-loving, being satisfied with present things; for He has said, “Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you,” never! Deut. 31:6

Another part on this verse that strike me is the fact that the Lord advised of ten days of afflictions. These ten days put me to think, why the Lord mentioned those ten days in a specific manner? If we go back in history, we will be able to notice that between the End of the First Century and all away to the end of the Second Century there were a total of ten Roman Emperors. Let see them one by one in a list:

Name

Succession

Reign / AD

Time in Office

Trajan Caesar Marcvs Vlpivs Nerva Traianvs Avgvstvs

Adopted and Heir of Nerva

Jan/98 – Aug/117

19 yrs 7 mths

Hadrian Caesar Pvblivs Aelivs Traianvs Hadrianvs Avgvstvs

Adopted and Heir of Trajan

Aug/117 – Jul/138

21 yrs

Antoninus Pius Caesar Titvs Aelivs Hadrianvs Antoninvs Avgvstvs Pivs

Adopted and Heir of Hadrian

Jul/138 – Mar/161

22yrs 7 mths

Marcus Aurelius Caesar Marcvs Avrelivs Antoninvs Avgvstvs

Adopted son/son-in-law and Heir of Antoninus Pius and

Co-Emperor with Lucius Verus until 169

Mar/161 – Mar/180

19 yrs

Lucius Verus Caesar Lvcivs Avrelivs Vervs Avgvstvs

Adopted son Heir of Antoninus Pius and son-in-lawof Marcus Aurelius; Co-Emperor with Marcus Aurelius until his death

Mar/161 – Mar/169

8 yrs

Commodus Caesar Marcvs Avrelivs Commodvs Antoninvs Avgvstvs

Natural son of Marcus Aurelius; Co-Emperor from 177

?/177 – Dec/192

15 yrs

Pertinax Caesar Pvblivs Helvivs Pertinax Avgvstvs

Proclaimed by the Praetorian Guard

Jan/193 – Mar/193

3 mths

Didius Julianus Caesar Marcvs Didivs Severvs Ivlianvs Avgvstvs

Won auction by the Praetorian Guard for the position of Emperor

Mar/193 – Jun/193

2 mths – 4 days

(65 Days)

Septimius Severus Caesar Lvcivs Septimivs Severvs Pertinax Avgvstvs

Seized power with the Support of the Pannonian Legions

Apr/193 – Feb/211

17 yrs 10 mths

Caracalla Caesar Marcvs Avrelivs Severvs Antoninvs Pivs Avgvstvs

Son of Septimius Severus; Co-Emperor with Severus from 198; with Severus and Geta from 209 until Feb 211; Co-Emperor with Geta until Dec 211

(Rev 2:11) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. The one overcoming will not at all be hurt by the second death.

As it was with the first assembly, the Lord tells us to pay attention to this message of this assembly, because it is not particular to them but to all of the believers in Christ. Also it important to say that the affirmation of the Lord by explicitly saying this message is through the Holy Spirit, this is visible because the word “Spirit” is in Capital letter “S” indicative of the Third Person of the Trinity of God.

The last but not the least point to talk about is how the Lord indicates to the one overcoming this particular time will not be hurt by the second death and you might ask; what is the second death? The Bible gives us the answer and here it is:

Rev_20:6 Blessed and holy is the one having part in the first resurrection. The second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years.

Rev_20:14 And death and hell were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death.

Rev_21:8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving, and those having become foul, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all the lying ones, their part will be in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

Remember always to Pray to the Lord before and after of your Bible Study for His guidance, knowledge, wisdom and understanding on the Word and God Bless You.

As a Review and for our benefit we will bring some important details we already cover on Chapter 1 of the Book of Revelation, and these are the following:

This is the only Book on the Bible that promise a Blessing to the “Reader” and also to the “Hearers”, see the following verse;

Rev 1:3

Blessed is the one reading, and those hearing the Words of this prophecy, and keeping the things having been written; for the time is near.

The Book of Revelation is a Prophetic Book, read the below verse;

Rev 1:3

Blessed is the one reading, and those hearing the Words of this prophecy, and keeping the things having been written; for the time is near.

For this blessing to take effect of the prophetic Book of Revelation, we must keep the things having been written, read the verse below please;

Rev 1:3

Blessed is the one reading, and those hearing the Words of this prophecy, and keeping the things having been written; for the time is near.

All these is because one reason and one reason only for the “Follower of the WAY” (The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ), … for the time is near …

It is also very important to mention that the Book of Revelation is the only Book that has what is called the “Divine Outline of the Book”. This particular point can be seen in the following verse:

Rev 1:19

(19) Write what things you saw, and what things are, and what things are about to occur after these things.

…things you saw… This is use in a past sentence indicative of all the Apostle John saw in chapter one of the Book of Revelation.

…things are… This is use in a present way, indicative of what the Apostle witness and saw in chapters 2 and 3, which is in relation to the Seven Assemblies in the area of Asia Manor which is known today as “Turkey”

… things are about to occur after these things… (meta tauta) This is expressed in a future sentence. This is indicative of the future events once the events on chapter 1 and chapter 2 and 3 (the Seven Assemblies will go through their lives as followers and believers of the Gospel of the Lord) will take place. This also could be seen in the following verse:

Rev 4:1 LITV

After these things I saw. And behold, a door being opened in Heaven! And I heard the first voice as a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show you what needs to happen after these things.

If we are capable to put this in perspective for everyone to see it in a visual way, just imagine a straight time line in where there is the Book of Revelation displayed in chapters by numbers and cause of time base on events of “past”, “present” and “future events”, this time line will look like this:

It is very important for us to bring to your attention the fact that in chapter 1 verse 4 it is mentioned the Holy Trinity of GOD, let’s see it:

Rev 1:4 LITV

(4) John to the seven assemblies in Asia: Grace to you, and peace, from the One who is, and who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits which are before His throne;

It does mentioned God Almighty when is referring to … His throne…

The Lord Jesus as …the One who is, who was, and who is coming…

o This could be validated by the Gospel of John chapter 1 verses 1 and 2:

Joh 1:1-2 LITV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

The Holy Spirit when it does mentioned … the seven spirits which are before His throne…

o Read the following verse;

Isa 11:2 LITV

And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest on Him; He will have the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and power, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.

These are known as the seven manifestations of the Holy Spirit (count the underline description on the above verse)

Continuing our journey to the beginning of the Seven Assemblies (Revelation chapters 2-3) is very important to notice the Seven Assemblies during these two chapters in Revelation mentioned, unless you are in deep knowledge of the Asia Manor area and or the Middle Eastern history, you otherwise will not know these assemblies. The question remain of, Why these particular assemblies? Why more important assemblies of their time are not mentioned? Such assemblies are the assembly of Antioch (Paul’s headquarters assemblies), the assembly of Jerusalem, the assembly of Corinth and so on. The question remains, why?

The Bible (The Word of GOD) is a collection of 66 Books written by more than 40 Authors with different backgrounds, written in 3 different languages, through a time of approximately 1500 years with a divine engineering precision in where everything has a meaning and a time. For the Followers of the Way (Jesus Christ or Lord) means that the Bible is without a doubt the Word of GOD and has a Divine Authority.

Understanding this is why the question of “why these seven assemblies” in particular and not other assembly were chosen but these. Let’s make reference to our Seven Assemblies Map in a PDF File to refresh our memories on their location. (Seven Assemblies Map).

These seven assemblies were real geographical locations of temples and assemblies of the time.

As warning or reprimand to all the assemblies, in fact the seven letters applied to all the seven assemblies. Read the following verse:

Rev 1:11 LITV

(11) saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last; also, What you see, write in a scroll, and send to the seven assemblies of Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

This also could be taken as a personal advised (homiletic) in order for the believer to keep him/her in the right track of the Word of God and keeping the things having been written because the “time is near”.

Rev 2:7 LITV

(7) The one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. …

There is one important point of view that could very well, and in my personal and humble opinion, is the strongest of all the points mentioned, which is from a prophetic and historical point of view.

If you remember the Book of Acts is the last Book in the Bible that mentioned anything about the development and circumstances in were the assembly of the Lord went through from a historical view for about 30 years. There are some points that had been gathered with the Apostle’s epistles and letters, but many gaps exist. My believe is that these Seven Assemblies, and very specially due because the order in were they are mentioned in the Bible and only the order in were they are mentioned, tells us the rest of the story. These Seven assemblies are:

This is visual representation on a PDF File that will help you to understand the role and relation of the Dragon, the Beast out of the Sea and the Beast out of the Earth. Just Click on the link below for you to be able to see the file.